A devoted football fan who has just celebrated her 103rd birthday received a card from her sporting "hero" - Arsenal FC manager Arsene Wenger.

The famed Gunners boss made sure Margaret Welby's already special occasion was especially memorable by sending her a signed photograph and birthday wishes.

Margaret, who lives in Waltham but grew up in Immingham and Keelby, "adores" Arsene Wenger so much that she has a photograph of the Frenchman on her bedroom wall - right alongside portraits of her beloved family members.

103-year-old Arsenal Football Club fan, Margaret Welby, holds onto a signed picture of Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, which she was sent along with a letter from the club, congratulating her on her 103rd birthday (Image: Rick Byrne)

Born in 1914, Margaret celebrated her special day surrounded by her nearest and dearest at a family meal in Waltham on Sunday, an occasion attended by all five of her "proud" sons.

Tony, Raymond, Martin, Tim and Phil all came together to celebrate their mum's "inspirational" achievement of reaching her 103rd birthday at the King's Head pub, in High Street, Waltham.

Margaret Welby celebrated her 103rd birthday surrounded by friends and family on Sunday in Waltham

The intimate family affair was just part of the celebrations, and Margaret, a mum of five, grandma to 11 and great grandma to one, will continue to be treated by her extended family as the week goes on.

An Ashley Court resident, Margaret is apparently "in love" with 67-year-old Arsenal manager, Wenger, who has spent 11 successful years at the North London club.

Read More

Her son, Martin, says Margaret's love for Wenger revolves around her admiration for his managerial style, tactical nous and football philosophy.

Whilst holding the Gunners close to her heart, Margaret has been a keen football fan for much of her life, and has even visited Wembley stadium as many as nine times to watch the FA Cup final.

Delighted at receiving her special card from Wenger, Margaret, said: "It is wonderful.

"It has got my name on it. I'm a big Arsenal fan.

"One or two of the workmen here saw the photo and asked if it is Arsene Wenger.

"I told them 'yes, I'm his girlfriend'.

"They said I should be with him for the money but I'm doing all right without," she joked.

Formerly a housekeeper during the Second World War, Margaret married Fred Welby in the early 1930s after the pair met when she was just 18 years old.

103-year-old Arsenal Football Club fan, Margaret Welby, holds onto a signed picture of Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, which she was sent along with a letter from the club, congratulating her on her 103rd birthday (Image: Rick Byrne)

Whilst remaining adamant that there is "no secret" to reaching such an impressive age, Martin believes his mum's longevity may have something to do with her "pragmatic" approach to life.

He said: "She keeps saying she's going but I think she just likes the attention.

"She has a very good complexion and is very happy. She is very realistic about her situation.

"We all treat her with respect as we should.

"She really is in love with Arsene Wenger and just likes his management style.

"She used to watch football all of the time and used to be able to talk about lots of sporting subjects."

103-year-old Arsenal Football Club fan, Margaret Welby, holds onto a signed picture of Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, which she was sent along with a letter from the club, congratulating her on her 103rd birthday (Image: Rick Byrne)

Margaret's 40-year-old granddaughter Rebecca Welby also celebrated with the family at the weekend.